Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, has publicly appealed to President Bola Tinubu to consider a political approach for the release of Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). Kalu made this plea following the inaugural meeting of the House Committee on the South-East Development Commission at the National Assembly in Abuja on Wednesday.
In a statement released on Thursday by his Special Assistant on Print Affairs, Udora Orizu, Kalu commended President Tinubu for his support towards the South-East, especially for signing the South-East Development Commission Bill into law, a move that had eluded past administrations.
Kalu emphasized the need for a political rather than a legal resolution to Kanu’s case, arguing that his release would significantly decrease the level of insecurity in the region. “We are begging. The President is the Commander-in-Chief, and we cannot coerce him. All we are saying is: ‘Use a political approach, not a legal one,'” Kalu stated.
He further explained that freeing Kanu would remove the pretext for criminal activities by those claiming to fight for his cause. “Those who claim they are fighting because of Nnamdi Kanu will have no reason to remain on the streets. Then, security agencies can go after anyone still causing harm,” he noted.
Highlighting the detrimental impact of insecurity on development in the South-East, Kalu expressed optimism that Tinubu’s intervention could lead to a turnaround. “You can’t have development in the midst of insecurity. That’s why we initiated the Peace in South-East Project supported by parliament. But we have realised that insecurity will be significantly reduced if Kanu is released,” he said.
Kalu also praised Tinubu for his commitment to the development of the South-East, noting that his assent to the SEDC Bill was a clear sign of inclusivity. “Only President Bola Ahmed Tinubu put his foot down and declared that the South-East remains an integral part of Nigeria. Other Assemblies failed to pass the bill, but when it got to him, he signed it into law. We are grateful,” Kalu remarked.
He underscored the region’s potential in various sectors like agriculture, technology, sports, and entertainment, advocating for federal support to unlock these opportunities. “We need something like Silicon Valley in the East—let’s call it Eastern Valley—a hub where young, creative minds can come together. These are areas we are looking at, and with the right policies, development will spring up,” he added.
This appeal from Kalu positions the release of Nnamdi Kanu as a potentially pivotal move towards peace and development in the South-East region.